The Oklahoma State Department of Education has established multiple non-traditional paths to teacher certification. (The link will take you directly to the OSDE website.)
Alternative Placement Program
Provides an opportunity for individuals with non-teaching degrees to teach in Oklahoma accredited schools
CareerTech Instructor Certification
For individuals wishing to know more about teaching in the Oklahoma CareerTech system
Troops for Teachers
Troops to Teachers is a federally funded program designed to assist separated members of the US military with obtaining certification and employment as teachers.
Four-Year Olds and Younger Certificate
A path for Child Development Associates in Head Start programs to teach four-year-old and younger students in a public school
Oklahoma Title I Paraprofessional Teaching Credential (Teaching Assistant)
A path for individuals who are teaching assistants at Title I schools to acquire a teaching certificate
Career Development Program for Paraprofessionals
A path for individuals who are teaching assistants to acquire a teaching certificate
Non-Traditional Special Education Cerification Program
Route for individuals who meet a certain criteria and interested in obtaining a special education certification
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)
A program designed to inspire career changers to enter the teaching field and give them a rigorous and efficient process to achieve their goals
Teach for America
National corps of outstanding recent college graduates and professionals of any area who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools
Learn about the Traditional Path to Teacher Certification
If you are interested in becoming a teacher, please complete the form below. We will review your information and contact you soon. Please note that the EPS HR Office is only a starting point for this process and that all information will need to be verified with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The OSDE staff will ultimately determine if you are eligible for a teaching credential. Thank you for your interest!